Zeugopod Articular Cartilage

Articular cartilage is a smooth avascular highly-organized tissue containing chondrocytes embedded in the extracellular matrix of specific collagens and proteiglycans. Zeugopod articular cartilage covers the distal epiphyseal ends of the ulna, radius, tibia and fibula bones and the proximal surfaces of the carpal bones. The cartilage is essential for proper functioning of the synovial joint. In the mouse, the development of articular cartilage begins during embryogenesis at sites of synovial joint formation.